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Where the Long Grass Blows
Classic western
151 pages, Leather Bound
First published January 1, 1976
242 people are currently reading
779 people want to read
About the author
Louis L'Amour
995 books3,470 followersLouis Dearborn L'Amour was an American novelist and short story writer. His books consisted primarily of Western novels, though he called his work "frontier stories". His most widely known Western fiction works include Last of the Breed, Hondo, Shalako, and the Sackett series. L'Amour also wrote historical fiction (The Walking Drum), science fiction (The Haunted Mesa), non-fiction (Frontier), and poetry and short-story collections. Many of his stories were made into films. His books remain popular and most have gone through multiple printings. At the time of his death, almost all of his 105 existing works (89 novels, 14 short-story collections, and two full-length works of nonfiction) were still in print, and he was "one of the world's most popular writers".
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews
May 9, 2012
I can't help it, I just love Louis L'Amour.
Every once in a while I get an aching for some good old fashioned cowboy wrangling. That's when I go to L'amour. His novels are quick, full of action, written with clarity and realism. When I read one of his books I honestly feel that I'm in the Old West. The dust, the cattle, the dry heat, the smooth talking...I'm right there in the middle of it. Perhaps it's all those John Wayne movies I watched with my Grandpa, but I'm part cowgirl at heart.
Bill Canavan is a man on a mission. He's taken the lay of the land and is ready to plant roots and settle down. He comes into a ranching town divided by a feud between the two big ranchers. Canavan has a plan to let them take each other out and then step in to pick up the pieces. What he wasn't counting on was Star Leavitt, a hard, cruel man with plans of his own, or Dixie Veneable, a lady after his own heart.
It's typical western, which is what makes it so great.
Every once in a while I get an aching for some good old fashioned cowboy wrangling. That's when I go to L'amour. His novels are quick, full of action, written with clarity and realism. When I read one of his books I honestly feel that I'm in the Old West. The dust, the cattle, the dry heat, the smooth talking...I'm right there in the middle of it. Perhaps it's all those John Wayne movies I watched with my Grandpa, but I'm part cowgirl at heart.
Bill Canavan is a man on a mission. He's taken the lay of the land and is ready to plant roots and settle down. He comes into a ranching town divided by a feud between the two big ranchers. Canavan has a plan to let them take each other out and then step in to pick up the pieces. What he wasn't counting on was Star Leavitt, a hard, cruel man with plans of his own, or Dixie Veneable, a lady after his own heart.
It's typical western, which is what makes it so great.
March 1, 2021
The more Louis L’Amour books I read, the closer he gets to being put on my list of favorite authors.
I fear I sound like a broken record each time I praise one of his books, but what else can I say? Each western of his just leaves me in awe and wonder, and sometimes I’m left with a really bad book hangover afterwards. He was a master at this craft, there’s no doubt about that, and so far I have yet to be disappointed with what I have read by him.
I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of this story, from the suspense and mystery to the action. I think the only genre I didn’t care much for in this one was the romance. When it comes to the characters, most of them I thought to be well developed whether they were a protagonist or an antagonist. And it was delightful to learn more about Bill Canavan as the story progressed.
I fear I sound like a broken record each time I praise one of his books, but what else can I say? Each western of his just leaves me in awe and wonder, and sometimes I’m left with a really bad book hangover afterwards. He was a master at this craft, there’s no doubt about that, and so far I have yet to be disappointed with what I have read by him.
I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of this story, from the suspense and mystery to the action. I think the only genre I didn’t care much for in this one was the romance. When it comes to the characters, most of them I thought to be well developed whether they were a protagonist or an antagonist. And it was delightful to learn more about Bill Canavan as the story progressed.
December 4, 2017
When I crave a visit to the rough Western frontier and a colorful story about the people of the West, I reach for a Louis L'amour book more often than not. I get a real sense of time and place and a man of the moment from his stories. I was so glad to see his books being produced for audio so I could appreciate them in a whole new way.
Jason Culp was a first time narrator for me, but I thought he did a great job telling a western story with its variety of western characters and their situations. Most of the characters are male and he gave them individual vocal mannerisms that fit what the story seemed to say about them. There were only a couple female voices which were well enough. I thought he really captured the spirit of L'amour's writing.
The hero in this story has turned a corner in his life and decided that he needs to stop drifting and settle into one place for the long haul. Canavan has been many things and his life was shaped by hard experiences that honed him. He selects a ranching valley with all that he wants in land and circumstances. There's a range war going on and he hopes to be there when the dust settles.
L'amour slowly reveals more about Canavan as the story progresses so that the reader learns that he's not only and exactly what he seems from the opening lines. But neither are any of the people who he encounters in the valley and the town of Solidad. There are mysterious goings on all around and he has to figure out what is truly happening just for the sake of survival.
Bill Canavan has a meet-cute for the ages when a stunning lady rider insults his horse and he challenges her to a race. Dixie Venerable is fire and vim. I liked her for much of the story and thought her a great match for Canavan. Though, I have to admit that she didn't strike me as very bright and, when her part of the truth comes out in the end, I was a little let down.
The gritty gun battles and showdowns were exciting. Just as the tension from the mysterious happenings kept me intrigued. I loved the cowboy camaraderie Canavan had with his new friends.
And of course those sweeping descriptions of setting and historical detail that put me right there in the moment.
All in all, this was a fantastic western interlude full of gritty, shoot 'em up action and a nice side of mystery and romance.
My thanks to Penguin-Random House audio for the opportunity to listen to this book in exchange for an honest review.
Jason Culp was a first time narrator for me, but I thought he did a great job telling a western story with its variety of western characters and their situations. Most of the characters are male and he gave them individual vocal mannerisms that fit what the story seemed to say about them. There were only a couple female voices which were well enough. I thought he really captured the spirit of L'amour's writing.
The hero in this story has turned a corner in his life and decided that he needs to stop drifting and settle into one place for the long haul. Canavan has been many things and his life was shaped by hard experiences that honed him. He selects a ranching valley with all that he wants in land and circumstances. There's a range war going on and he hopes to be there when the dust settles.
L'amour slowly reveals more about Canavan as the story progresses so that the reader learns that he's not only and exactly what he seems from the opening lines. But neither are any of the people who he encounters in the valley and the town of Solidad. There are mysterious goings on all around and he has to figure out what is truly happening just for the sake of survival.
Bill Canavan has a meet-cute for the ages when a stunning lady rider insults his horse and he challenges her to a race. Dixie Venerable is fire and vim. I liked her for much of the story and thought her a great match for Canavan. Though, I have to admit that she didn't strike me as very bright and, when her part of the truth comes out in the end, I was a little let down.
The gritty gun battles and showdowns were exciting. Just as the tension from the mysterious happenings kept me intrigued. I loved the cowboy camaraderie Canavan had with his new friends.
And of course those sweeping descriptions of setting and historical detail that put me right there in the moment.
All in all, this was a fantastic western interlude full of gritty, shoot 'em up action and a nice side of mystery and romance.
My thanks to Penguin-Random House audio for the opportunity to listen to this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 21, 2022
What a story! The way that L’Amour set up the beginning of the story made me dislike the main character. That might’ve been unintentional from the author, nevertheless I thought it was crafty. As the book progressed, it’s obvious that Bill Canavan was made to be an absolute dude. This western will not disappoint! Read the first chapter and you won’t quit! That’s the L’Amour effect!
September 16, 2025
This is a good old western! It was short and I flew through the book at the end. It had town/ranch politics while exploring the country near the town. You love Bill Canavan with how true and smart he is. He is a true western hero!
The only thing about this is the description of characters can get repetitive. Descriptions about Bill and other character (with the way they act) being mentioned multiple times in the same chapter.
However, once you get past this and further into the book, you’ll end up enjoying the plot, characters and twists!
The only thing about this is the description of characters can get repetitive. Descriptions about Bill and other character (with the way they act) being mentioned multiple times in the same chapter.
However, once you get past this and further into the book, you’ll end up enjoying the plot, characters and twists!
December 29, 2018
I'm so grateful to Random House for continuing to record L'Amour's titles, to give them the new lease on life they deserve, to be read and reread. The story line doesn't differ much from the standard: a lone cowboy with principles rides into a valley to stake his claim, only to find himself at odds with the other ranchers, mostly former rustlers. And there's another problem in the valley with a businessman whose herd seems to be growing faster than it should. There's also a young woman, who is said to be engaged but seems to be more a prisoner than a woman in love. Lots of action as our hero establishes his claim--on his land and for the young woman. Not politically correct but a compelling, old-fashioned story from a master of the genre.
March 31, 2021
This was a classic Louis L'amour tale set in SW New Mexico where the protagonist, Bill Canavan, shows awareness of the changing west to get the land that he wanted. In the process he falls in love and exacts justice on outlaws passing themselves off as good citizens.
January 5, 2021
My first Louis L'Amour book did not disappoint! It was everything I was hoping his stories would be: drifter turned homebody, squatters, beautiful land, and some great supporting characters.
L'Amour will most certainly be my go-to for westerns!
L'Amour will most certainly be my go-to for westerns!
October 14, 2021
Who doesn't love a good western! It feels like a nice escape into the frontier landscape of yesteryear. And who better to bring you the sites, sounds, and stories of those rugged individuals than Louis L'Amour.
Great story illuminating the age-old battle between good and evil. Where justice again prevails. When I feel like a change of pace, this is where I go.
Great story illuminating the age-old battle between good and evil. Where justice again prevails. When I feel like a change of pace, this is where I go.
February 24, 2025
My first western ever and I am hooked! Really enjoyed the multiple characters in the book especially Bill Canavan. The details of the description of the land and the town really made the book stand out and it has some western romance. Pick this book up if you can! My new favorite author!
August 10, 2025
Green River float read
October 31, 2020
Bill Canavan stakes claims on three water holes in the valley of his dreams to start a ranch. He discovers that someone is conspiring to have war between the ranchers and gain control of the whole region for themselves.
August 12, 2025
I’d read this years ago, forgot I had, and read it again in a single day.
I’ve written elsewhere that L’Amour was a good storyteller, but not a good writer. He seemed incapable of looking over a final draft and noting awkward passages that need finishing touches. An example in this story is when the hero rides up to the antagonist’s abode, and begins to engage him in conversation. Out of the blue L’Amour drops another character into the scene. It’s as if he’d intended to write a description of him having been there from the start, and somehow forgot to. The reader is left wondering, “Where in the Hell did HE come from?”
His stories appeal to the inner twelve year old. They’re rousing, but unrealistic. While the heroes are what every boy might want to grow up to be, they’re types L’Amour had crafted. The hero in this one is described thus: “The rider was a tall man, narrow of hip and broad of shoulders, his features, blunt and rugged, not handsome, but strong.”
Contrast that description from those from four other stories that I just happened to have on hand:
“Krag Moran was a lean, wide-shouldered young man with smoky eyes and a still, Indian-dark face.”
“He was slightly built and below medium height, but broad-shouldered and wiry.”
“The rider was a tall man, narrow-hipped and powerful of chest and shoulder.”
“He was a tall man, well over six feet, with wide shoulders, thick and powerfully shaped. His hips were lean and his waist small.”
It was a late 19th century to early 20th century writing trope to have physical characteristics define a person’s character. While L’Amour will occasionally have a villain be handsome and tall, he very often gives them unattractive features. They might be hulking brutes, or have a “cruel” mouth.
The more I read of him, the more errors and stereotypes I spot.
I’ve written elsewhere that L’Amour was a good storyteller, but not a good writer. He seemed incapable of looking over a final draft and noting awkward passages that need finishing touches. An example in this story is when the hero rides up to the antagonist’s abode, and begins to engage him in conversation. Out of the blue L’Amour drops another character into the scene. It’s as if he’d intended to write a description of him having been there from the start, and somehow forgot to. The reader is left wondering, “Where in the Hell did HE come from?”
His stories appeal to the inner twelve year old. They’re rousing, but unrealistic. While the heroes are what every boy might want to grow up to be, they’re types L’Amour had crafted. The hero in this one is described thus: “The rider was a tall man, narrow of hip and broad of shoulders, his features, blunt and rugged, not handsome, but strong.”
Contrast that description from those from four other stories that I just happened to have on hand:
“Krag Moran was a lean, wide-shouldered young man with smoky eyes and a still, Indian-dark face.”
“He was slightly built and below medium height, but broad-shouldered and wiry.”
“The rider was a tall man, narrow-hipped and powerful of chest and shoulder.”
“He was a tall man, well over six feet, with wide shoulders, thick and powerfully shaped. His hips were lean and his waist small.”
It was a late 19th century to early 20th century writing trope to have physical characteristics define a person’s character. While L’Amour will occasionally have a villain be handsome and tall, he very often gives them unattractive features. They might be hulking brutes, or have a “cruel” mouth.
The more I read of him, the more errors and stereotypes I spot.
December 27, 2017
Just as laconic as his characters are, Louis L'Amour can't be counted on to provide comic relief or illustrative digressions. He's the complete antithesis of someone like Neal Stephenson (whose writing entails a great deal of what some might consider unnecessary prose, but which nonetheless serves to advance the story and character development, even if it doesn't seem that way when being initially read).
I don't think I have strong preferences one way or the other. I've been a fan of Stephenson's work for years, and I'm becoming a fan of L'Amour. I generally like serious material to be leavened with humor, but in comparatively narrow novels like this one, it's not a major consideration. (And here I mean "narrow" in terms of physical width, not depth of subject matter.)
Bill Canavan is as interesting a character as any of the others I've read so far, but his motives are a bit murkier, at least at first. So far I haven't found any true villains or antiheroes among his protagonists, but I'm only four books into his catalog. This is a bit longer than the previous offerings, and has a somewhat more complex storyline. It was written something like 20 years after the other titles I've reviewed, so I suppose his writing had to evolve over time, perhaps to avoid revisiting previous subject matter.
One thing that is increasingly obvious about his style is a love of geology. Not just the superficial geology that can be ascribed to his descriptions of the vistas, but a knowledge of deeper processes, of the factors that shaped the West long before it was inhabited. That knowledge serves a key plot point in this novel. It definitely grants depth to the goings-on, and helps to demonstrate that the protagonist has some depth as well.
I don't think I have strong preferences one way or the other. I've been a fan of Stephenson's work for years, and I'm becoming a fan of L'Amour. I generally like serious material to be leavened with humor, but in comparatively narrow novels like this one, it's not a major consideration. (And here I mean "narrow" in terms of physical width, not depth of subject matter.)
Bill Canavan is as interesting a character as any of the others I've read so far, but his motives are a bit murkier, at least at first. So far I haven't found any true villains or antiheroes among his protagonists, but I'm only four books into his catalog. This is a bit longer than the previous offerings, and has a somewhat more complex storyline. It was written something like 20 years after the other titles I've reviewed, so I suppose his writing had to evolve over time, perhaps to avoid revisiting previous subject matter.
One thing that is increasingly obvious about his style is a love of geology. Not just the superficial geology that can be ascribed to his descriptions of the vistas, but a knowledge of deeper processes, of the factors that shaped the West long before it was inhabited. That knowledge serves a key plot point in this novel. It definitely grants depth to the goings-on, and helps to demonstrate that the protagonist has some depth as well.
December 1, 2025
I have been reading historical accounts of the settlement of the West - mostly non-fiction and it occurred to me that I should read some classic Western novels written by authors who established a name for themselves as leaders in the genre. I decided to start with Louis L'Amour as his work is synonymous with tales of the "Wild West". Reading this was like time traveling back to my childhood when I used to watch shows like Gunsmoke and Palladin with my dad. L'Amour's writing is pretty spare but he knows how to tell a story. In the West L'Amour presents, things seemed simpler. "Right" and "wrong" were easy to identify. Disagreements were settled with fighting and guns. The good guy gets the beautiful woman in the end. I found this book entertaining but also thought-provoking as it represents a time that is long gone. It also presents an insight into the psyche of the folks who lived during those years when the West was truly wild and life was hard in a more basic way than it is now.
October 30, 2023
This is different from most iconoclast Western novels of ‘one man shall chase 1,000’.
Canavan comes alone, to a land primed for a range war, but makes friends with those cast off as worthless. The girl he likes is referred to as a ‘staked claim’, but the man making the statement is simply a braggart who tries to undermine the law for his own benefit. Instead of restricting fights to a few individuals at a bar or in a town street, multiple players get involved at a staged shoot-out during a round-up.
The legal showdown is even better, since the real estate claims play second fiddle to the unmasking of the villain as cinch ring artist. (Foreshadowing of this reveal appears early on.) An old outlaw/ally of the hero uses a double-crossing move as a double bluff - always an interesting choice of plot twist.
It doesn’t hurt that the girl is both beautiful and brave.
This is a keeper!
Canavan comes alone, to a land primed for a range war, but makes friends with those cast off as worthless. The girl he likes is referred to as a ‘staked claim’, but the man making the statement is simply a braggart who tries to undermine the law for his own benefit. Instead of restricting fights to a few individuals at a bar or in a town street, multiple players get involved at a staged shoot-out during a round-up.
The legal showdown is even better, since the real estate claims play second fiddle to the unmasking of the villain as cinch ring artist. (Foreshadowing of this reveal appears early on.) An old outlaw/ally of the hero uses a double-crossing move as a double bluff - always an interesting choice of plot twist.
It doesn’t hurt that the girl is both beautiful and brave.
This is a keeper!
May 22, 2019
A nicely crafted, and plotted out tale.
A looming cattle and territory war.
Yet which factions, really worked together?
Behind the scenes, an outlaw element.
Looking to cash in, with members in each, faction looking for dominance.
Fairly realistic characters. With the main character.
Riding into the middle of it all.
To stake his own claims. While trying to untangle.
Who he can trust, and who was really working for whom.
Bill Canavan is seasoned. Yet human enough to know.
He may not know as much as he thought he did.
He may also, not live to see the finish of things.
As gun fire, and fighting rise.
Many twists and turns in the plot.
This for me, was simply a fun. Good old western to read.
A looming cattle and territory war.
Yet which factions, really worked together?
Behind the scenes, an outlaw element.
Looking to cash in, with members in each, faction looking for dominance.
Fairly realistic characters. With the main character.
Riding into the middle of it all.
To stake his own claims. While trying to untangle.
Who he can trust, and who was really working for whom.
Bill Canavan is seasoned. Yet human enough to know.
He may not know as much as he thought he did.
He may also, not live to see the finish of things.
As gun fire, and fighting rise.
Many twists and turns in the plot.
This for me, was simply a fun. Good old western to read.
June 28, 2020
More like 3.5/5. It's a western sure, but it's a good one! LL has outdone himself. Who among us can't identify with Bill Canavan's yearning for a spread to call his own and someone to share it with? It's a seemingly straightforward story: wild untamed range, a small frontier town, a fiery woman, and an Eastwood-esque protagonist with a nothing but a trusty Appaloosa, a reliable wheel gun and a dream of settling down on a ranch of his own. But the story winds through the pages like the Colorado through the Grand Canyon. Sure there's a cattle drive, a gunfight, and a final showdown, but there's also corporate espionage, a drug running ring, and dramatic courtroom drama to rival the finest Grisham novel!
July 18, 2023
Another great story line by LL of a drifter who doesn't want to drift anymore. LL teaches much about human nature in this story of two cattle ranches fighting for land and water and multiple cowboys wanting to take advantage of the situation, each cowboy looking out for his own interests but only a few of them factoring in human nature and the room for error of others. While the fued continues and men take sides only one of them chooses to look at the situation from a birds eye veiw and LL writes of how planning, preparation, and patience play to a man's advantage.
Cattle branding, lava beds, geysers, and even landscape that would remind the reader of today's Coyote Gulch are all explored in this novel. Worth the read for geographical, philosophical, and historical adventures.
Cattle branding, lava beds, geysers, and even landscape that would remind the reader of today's Coyote Gulch are all explored in this novel. Worth the read for geographical, philosophical, and historical adventures.
Read
February 19, 2022The one and only writer ever to come out of Jamestown, North Dakota, and the only one they'll ever want. L'Amour adds so much authentic western detail to his yarns that the cowpoke-centric verisimilitude is striking and incredibly engaging. He frequently in his novels has a safe cavern, cave, or secret camouflaged hideaway serving as a metaphor for peace of mind and the moral high ground of right-thinking cowpokes. It's his brand of hygge. There is no psychological complexity--the good guy always triumphs and the bad guys always get shot, crushed, humiliated, burned, maimed, or placed in the graybar motel to pay their debt to society. Now that's a comforting thought.
February 23, 2023
“When thieves fall out, honest men come by their own” J. Heywood. Or other crooks or opportunists. Ah, but who gets the girl?
Canavan is one of my least favorite heroes. He is an unabashed opportunist. Oh, L’Amour sets him up against worse men, but still it was hard getting behind his goals. I actually liked several of the side characters much better. They have that unselfish dedication to right cause that he can write so well.
The setting is spectacular. Hidden valleys, treacherous canyons, lush pasturelands, unclaimed springs, and secret caves. That was fun to imagine.
It was a fun little adventure, but not his best.
Canavan is one of my least favorite heroes. He is an unabashed opportunist. Oh, L’Amour sets him up against worse men, but still it was hard getting behind his goals. I actually liked several of the side characters much better. They have that unselfish dedication to right cause that he can write so well.
The setting is spectacular. Hidden valleys, treacherous canyons, lush pasturelands, unclaimed springs, and secret caves. That was fun to imagine.
It was a fun little adventure, but not his best.
October 22, 2025
Where the Long Grass Grows – A Western Novel – Published 1988 - *** - Canavan has been riding for others, now he wants a place of his own and he is willing to fight for it and the beautiful woman he finds in his chosen valley. Tough man, tough country, tough outlaws all mixed together as L’Amour masterfully does. This particular novel moved slowly until almost the end, unlike other novels by L’Amour. It was still an acceptable western read.
September 8, 2018
This was another excellent story by Louis L’Amour. His hero’s are brave, honest, hard working and chivalrous and he villains deserve their rewards. The women are courageous, strong, independent and resourceful. Not wilting wall flowers as so many writers tend to paint them. This was a very enjoyable story.
October 16, 2019
A good yarn about an experienced cattleman with a plan to settle down and become a ranch owner (and hopefully a husband to boot). Chock full of good guys and bad guys and a couple of shootouts and fistfights play into the story as does a fiery red-head. There is one clear instance where Canavan, the hero in this story, has plot armor, but overall it is well crafted and a good read.
October 23, 2021
It’s been 40 years since I read my first Louis L’Amour novel and this, the first audio edition I’ve listened to, takes me back to my teenage years. It was as good as I remember, possibly even better due to the masterful reading by the voice actor. It was a joy introducing my boys to this genre and author.
April 13, 2023
I love a good western, something about the open wilderness and ruged adventure speaks to my soul. I read quite a few L'Amour books in school and wanted to give them a go again. This was the first and it was good. Some parts felt forced, a few contrived, most flowed naturally and I enjoyed it over all. The ending surprised me though. I'm not sure I'd read that one again, but I am glad I read it.
September 24, 2025
Eh, this wasn't the best Louis L'Amour I've read. It was good at times, but at most times, it moved too slow when it felt like it should be moving fast. I liked the characters, and other aspects, but most of the time, I was bored.
Gorgeous cover though, and I'll add a half star for that. 3.5 stars.
Gorgeous cover though, and I'll add a half star for that. 3.5 stars.
March 31, 2018
I won this book in Goodreads giveaway and this is my honest review.
He sure writes a good story. You can just imagine the time and place.
I liked the audio book version. It was well read by Jason Culp. Makes it easy to listen to sitting in traffic.
He sure writes a good story. You can just imagine the time and place.
I liked the audio book version. It was well read by Jason Culp. Makes it easy to listen to sitting in traffic.
May 18, 2018
A new favorite
I don’t know what it is that L’Amour describes in these books, but it stirs the same feeling in me as “Call of the Wild” and other London books. Bill’s desire for home and his own range is infectious, and you root for him from the first page.
I don’t know what it is that L’Amour describes in these books, but it stirs the same feeling in me as “Call of the Wild” and other London books. Bill’s desire for home and his own range is infectious, and you root for him from the first page.
August 20, 2018
Sometimes between my more serious reading I pick a Western. I was able to begin this book and finish it in one day. The author is brilliant in providing good plots and characters. This recreational ready was enjoyable for Sunday. If you like Westerns, this is a good one in the L'Amour tradition.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews